Hi i have a 2.5L ranger that i cant get to run right. If i just let it sit after i start it it will run fine but if i give it any gas it starts to run like crap and stall. After its warm up it runs ok. I was told that the code was a p0302. That a miss fire in cylinder 2. I tried a number of things. New wires, spark plugs ,new coil pack ,fuel filter and idol control valve. I just cant figure the damn thing out does anyone have any ideas that might help. THANKS JOE

I'm currently getting the same code and rough idle/performance with my Ranger of the same year and engine. I have done everything you have done, except replacing the idle control valve. I just disconnected it and it ran worse so I guess its ok.

I also just swapped the coils around figuring the odds of both being bad was pretty small.

I ended up taking it to a local mechanic and will post the results when I get them.

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2000 Ranger XLT, reg. cab, flare-side
2.5L gas, 2wd, automatic, A/C
200k
Iowa

that would be great. anything you could tell me would be very helpfull. at least i got good news i had a compression test done and the motor is fine. thats a pluse

Well, this is what I know so far...

The mechanic is still trying to figure out what is wrong. He has tried new coils which didn't solve it, luckily he was able to return them.

He says the compression is good, which should mean the head gasket is ok.

The fuel injector seems to be ok, too. He did replace the timing belt, which needed done badly anyway.

I am going to give him a couple more days and then I guess I'll have to take it to a dealership.

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2000 Ranger XLT, reg. cab, flare-side
2.5L gas, 2wd, automatic, A/C
200k
Iowa

could be a maf sensor or dpfe sensor. Had the same problem, and had both those replaced. 99 2.5 runs fine now. been about a year since this happened. if you can, this would be cheaper to do yourself, but I had a mechanic do it because I dont have a scanner. w/a mechanic it costs about 500 bucks. ugh. I hope this helps.

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1999 2wd 2.5 4 banger reg cab
Just a few mods. Pioneer head unit, upgraded to 15 inch explorer wheels, diamond plate tool box.

What is the dpfe sensor? Or can you say where it located on the engine? I have the same issues transpiring with my '00 2.5. How many miles do you guys have on yours? I'm at 231k.

the dpfe sensor is located on the passenger side near the fire wall it has two vacuum lines going in to is from the bottom and a plug from the side. good luck i found out that mine has a bent valve I'm having the head replaced this weekend. 231k that's great mine only has 118k

Jim: He's right about where the sensor is located. I hope you get the problem fixed. Mine happened about around 155k. I have 177k now, and everythings good. Good luck.

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1999 2wd 2.5 4 banger reg cab
Just a few mods. Pioneer head unit, upgraded to 15 inch explorer wheels, diamond plate tool box.

I did a second compression test with the engine at operating temp and found #1 cylinder40 psi low. I pulled the head and found #1 exhaust valve had worn into the head about an 1/8" causing my dilemma. My machine shop guy, Lou, is installing new valves and seats on all the exhaust valves and doing a valve job on intakes. , Finally, problem solved!
Also, I found two lifters on seperate cylinders that appear to be bad - they have no spring tension on the last 3/8" or so of travel - I was wondering if anyone esle has encounted this. I'm replacing all the lifters anyway due to concern that this is no good.

p.s. - what exactly does the dpfe sensor do?

Well, the mechanic I had working on my Ranger has not been able to figure out the problem. He has replaced the timing belt, spark plugs, egr tube, and tried used coils. He also took off the head and cleaned what he described as a lot of carbon off the valves. I asked him if the valves themselves were ok, and he said they were. He also thought the cam lobes looked ok. He put in a new fuel injector on #2 cylinder as well.

I also asked him about the dfpe sensor mentioned earlier. He said it wouldn't make it do what it is doing. My family goes to this guy a lot and trust his work. I think this is the first time he has been stumped.

He suggested that I take it to a dealership which is what I plan to do in the next couple days. Maybe they have seen this before.

I'll let you guys know when I do. It's gonna be expensive I am sure.

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2000 Ranger XLT, reg. cab, flare-side
2.5L gas, 2wd, automatic, A/C
200k
Iowa

Looking at the cam and valves is not the ideal inspection. He should check to see if the injector is being told to fire via an injector harness tester (plugs into the injector plug and lights uop as the injector signal is sent to the injector). A compression check and leak down test with the engine hot should be done and if he had the head off then he3 should have removed the cam and measured the lobes with a micrometer - the book says .005 of wear is allowable. Do yourself a favor and stop with the parts replacement. Did he use new head bolts and head gasket when head was reinstalled? If not, then you probably have more problems nows than you started with. Also should have the head checked for being flat when it is removed.
Good luck.
I got mine back together this weekend and it runs great - thank God! It had been low on power for so long that I didn't remember how well it could run. I replaced the timing belt, front crank seal, oil punmp seal, water pump, plugs and wires (again). Parts and machine shop bill total $425. Seems like alot of money, it's less thank one month's payment on a new truck.

let the intake suck in a can of seafoam. Stuff works wonders for worn engines. Mine was getting 17mpg before i did mine , and it now gets 23mpg on the freeway doing 60-70 mph everday.

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98 ford ranger 2.5 w/ warrior wheels, and K&n filter. 120hp/110 torque

92 coupe mustang w/AFR heads,trick flow stage 1 cam , 650 holley carb, on top of eldebrock air gap intake.C-4 tranny w/4200 stall. 408hp/342 torque.